After School Dance Programs for Youth at Risk

Summary

By reaching out to America's schools under the powerful name of The Drug Enforcement Administration, The DEA Educational Foundation's Youth Dance Program will inspire children with healthy and drug-free messages, and encourage them to exercise and express themselves artistically. The Youth Dance Program will strive to reach 50 cities by 2018, and grow to reach its waitlist as funds become available. In 2017, the DEA YDP was thrilled to celebrate its 5th year anniversary!

Challenge

The impact of drugs on America is staggering. Illegal drugs cost society billions in added social costs, contribute to thousands of deaths, and generate hundreds of thousands of violent crimes. Drugs also play a significant role in domestic violence and child neglect, problems that destroy the lives and dreams of children. The Youth Dance Program is committed to finding the most innovative ways to reach youth with messages to educate children about prevention through the art of dance.

Solution

We will offer students grades 4-8 the opportunity to participate in an alternative after-school activity: Dance. We will engage local dance companies to propose and create an assembly-type program to be presented in local schools. We will provide students the opportunity to continue dance after-school in a free, ten week dance program per semester (20 weeks total), taught by trained professional dancers and the opportunity to apply for a scholarship at a local dance studio.

Long-Term Impact

The long-term goal of The DEA Youth Dance Program is to increase awareness about and resistance to drugs while focusing on healthy and productive behaviors in community schools throughout the nation.

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